Torts Sends Clear Messages, "Shut Up and Play"

Who better to start off the week talking about than John Tortorella? Torts has been active with the media as of late, touching upon some subjects that fans find compelling. Personally, I think Torts has been saying all of the right things, what fans want to hear, much unlike Renney did in his stint with New York. Overall, though, Tortorella's messages are revolved around mental toughness, and how this team cannot be soft thinkers. Here is a look at some of the topics Torts talked about over the last couple days.

Tortorella on Donald Brashear (NY Post): "I don't agree at all with what happened with Blair Betts. We all know that was wrong," Tortorella said of the blind-side hit to the head from the then-Washington winger that concussed the now former Rangers center and broke his orbital bone. "But . . . but . . . you also have to understand the situation that we're in now where we're looking to make changes on the hockey club and believe that Donald has a unique presence that will help us.

"I don't condone anyone trying to hurt another player. I don't know that's what happened with Bettsy, but if I ever think that Donald is trying to injure someone while he plays for the Rangers, that will be addressed.

"Things happen in hockey. We have to block out what happened to Blair Betts. The organization has to block it out," Tortorella said. "If any of our guys have an issue with Donald, then settle it like men, because they are going to be teammates and they are going to have to respect each other."

"I think Donald is a good enough skater that we'll be able to move him up and down our lineup depending on game situations," the head coach said. "He's an intimidating force with good enough hockey sense, who knows how to play on the defensive side of the puck.

"He's going to bring a certain demeanor to our team that we need a lot more of. We were too non-descript last year. I don't want a team that's non-descript. I want a team that has personality."

Tortorella on Team's Toughness (Newsday): "The time of trying to maneuver and whine behind people's backs is over," Tortorella told me this week. "Shut up and play."

Drury's reaction: "We're a soft team," he said. "I don't think we're physical enough on the ice, and I think [the players] want to have a say in what we do. And it's got to change. It's a disease if you let it go on."

"I think all the guys that are left appreciate what coach Tortorella wants to do," Drury said. He also knows what's coming in September. "Just from what I've been reading, I think this training camp is going to test us mentally and physically like we've never been tested before."
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As you can see, Tortorella is not holding back from saying ANYTHING to these players. The head coach's messages are sharp and clear, leaving no questions from anyone. Players now know what is expected of them when they hit the ice in Camp in September.

I like that Torts addressed the whole "Brashear thing" the way he did, basically saying that players have to get over what Donald did to Betts, and learn to respect him as a teammate. Also, Tortorella made it clear that he will not stand for Brashear taking any of his usual cheap shots on opponents.

These are some of the best quotes from a Ranger Coach since Herb Brooks. "Shut up and play", gotta love it! Looking forward to the 09/10 post-game press conferences.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)